Platform for suspended sensor stabilization

ABSTRACT

A sensor stabilization platform and method for installation in an enclosure is described, wherein the platform can be lowered into the enclosure from the enclosure&#39;s entry way (without requiring a person to enter the enclosure) and properly oriented to provide the structural support/securing capabilities needed for a sensor that is “sensing” the material at the bottom of the enclosure. The securing platform is weighted or configured to rest (without movement) at the bottom of the enclosure floor or manhole, and sensors can be lowered into the platform&#39;s receptacle(s), etc. The platform may be configured to be foldable, allowing it to be compact and pass through narrow entry ways.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application is a divisional of and claims the benefit of priorityunder 35 U.S.C. §120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/277,184,filed on Oct. 19, 2011, which is hereby incorporated by reference hereinin its entirety.

FIELD

This invention relates to stabilization of sensors inside enclosures.

BACKGROUND

Management and maintenance of sensor systems in closed enclosuresrequires strict adherence to safety protocols to avoid injury of theservicing technician when ingressing/egressing the enclosure.Particularly, in sanitation and waste water systems (i.e., sewersystems), the risks for injury have risen as more enclosures such asmanholes are becoming retrofitted with automated systems for sewer“health” and “hazard” monitoring. These retrofitting/maintenance callsoften require the technician to not only enter the enclosure (e.g.,manhole) but also spend a significant amount of time at the bottom ofthe manhole. Once entry is required (whether for a sensored orunsensored manhole), a significant amount of safety equipment isnecessitated to prevent a fall and/or injury of the technician,increasing the capital costs for these service events. Additionally,increasing insurance and compensation for resulting injuries have addedto the escalation of costs, not to mention the loss of skilled manpower.

What would be desired in this and other related industries, is a methodand/or system that obviates the need (or at least minimizes it) for atechnician to enter into the enclosure while still accomplishing hisservice tasks. Such methods and systems are described in the followingdisclosure.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basicunderstanding of some aspects of the claimed subject matter. Thissummary is not an extensive overview, and is not intended to identifykey/critical elements or to delineate the scope of the claimed subjectmatter. Its purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form asa prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

In various aspects of the disclosure, a sensor stabilization platformfor placement at the bottom of a vertical enclosure is provided,comprising: a plurality of substantially vertical leg members;substantially horizontal support members, at least one of the supportmembers coupled to a top portion of the leg members, wherein the supportmembers form an upper portion of the platform, the plurality of legmembers forming an opening beneath the upper portion of the platform; areceptacle coupled to the upper portion of the platform, having asecuring mechanism to secure a sensor inserted into the receptacle, thereceptacle configured to allow the inserted sensor to operate withoutinterference from the receptacle; at least one height adjuster coupledto at least one of the plurality of leg members, allowing leveling ofthe upper portion of the platform; and a ballast attached to theplatform to prevent movement of the platform when finally resting at thebottom of the vertical enclosure, wherein the platform is constructedfrom an environmentally resistant material.

In another aspect of the disclosure, a sensor stabilization platform forplacement at the bottom of a vertical enclosure is provided, comprising:a receptacle with a securing mechanism to secure a sensor inserted intothe receptacle, the receptacle configured to allow the inserted sensorto operate without interference from the receptacle; a plurality ofsubstantially vertical leg members, at least a top portion of one of theplurality of leg members being coupled to the receptacle supporting thereceptacle, the plurality of leg members forming an opening beneath thereceptacle; at least one height adjuster coupled to at least one of theplurality of leg members, allowing leveling of the platform; and aballast attached to the platform to prevent movement of the platformwhen finally resting at the bottom of the vertical enclosure, whereinthe platform is constructed from an environmentally resistant material.

In yet another aspect of the disclosure, a method of measuring a featureto be observed in an exposed channel at the bottom of an enclosure, themethod comprising: lowering a sensor stabilization structure through anentry way of an enclosure is provided, wherein the sensor stabilizationstructure comprises: a plurality of substantially vertical leg members;substantially horizontal support members, at least one of the supportmembers coupled to a top portion of the leg members, wherein the supportmembers form an upper portion of the platform, the plurality of legmembers forming an opening beneath the upper portion of the platform; areceptacle coupled to the upper portion of the platform, having asecuring mechanism to secure a sensor inserted into the receptacle, thereceptacle configured to allow the inserted sensor to operate withoutinterference from the receptacle; at least one height adjuster coupledto at least one of the plurality of leg members, allowing leveling ofthe upper portion of the platform; and a weight attached to theplatform; resting the sensor stabilization structure at the bottom ofthe enclosure; and adjusting the sensor stabilization structure to havethe receptacle to be above the exposed channel.

These and various other aspects of features of the invention areprovided in the Detailed Description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 a cross-sectional illustration of a closed enclosure (typicalmanhole).

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional illustration of a related art manhole withsensors.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional illustration an exemplary platform in adeployed configuration.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of an exemplary platform in a folded orcompact configuration in a manhole.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a sensor being lowered into a deployedexemplary platform.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a technician lowering a “combination”exemplary platform.

FIGS. 7A-B are perspective illustrations of two exemplary platforms.

FIGS. 8A-B are perspective illustrations of other exemplary platforms.

FIGS. 9A-B are illustrations of a compact/closed appearance of variousexemplary platforms.

FIGS. 10A-C are illustrations of various possible sensor receptacleconfigurations, and FIG. 10D is an illustration of a simple magneticNorth-to-South pole magnet latching scheme.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Using a manhole enclosure as one of many possible enclosure paradigms,various exemplary methods and systems are described herein, whereinsensor(s) that are situated inside the enclosure (which may bewirelessly communicated with, or tethered or suspended from theenclosure cover or a top wall of the enclosure, as possible non-limitingexamples) are secured inside the enclosure. In various exemplaryembodiments, the securing mechanism is a supporting platform that can belowered into the enclosure and properly oriented to provide thestructural support/securing capabilities needed for the sensors. Thesensors may be placed within the securing platform either before orafter deployment of the securing platform. In various embodiments, thesecuring platform can be situated to rest at the bottom of the enclosurefloor. In various other embodiments, the securing platform can besituated to rest against a wall of the enclosure.

Depending on the size of the enclosure's entry way, the exemplaryembodiments may “collapse” into a smaller shape, allowing the exemplaryembodiments to pass thorough the entry way, and thereafter “expand” intoits final size/shape when in the larger area of the enclosure. That is,various exemplary embodiments can be designed to self-assemble into alarger/final shape once they are through the entry way.

With the use of these exemplary securing platforms, physical entry ofthe enclosure is not required and also a self-supporting mechanism forhousing sensors can be placed into the enclosure without the requirementto “attach” the sensors to a side wall of the enclosure, or other partof the enclosure.

It is expressly understood that while the various embodiments shownbelow are illustrated and described in the context of a manholeenclosure, the principles described herein may be applied to other typesof enclosures that suffer similar types of problems. Accordingly, theexemplary embodiments may be utilized in enclosures that are notmanholes and, where necessary, the exemplary embodiments may beappropriately modified within the capabilities of one of ordinary skillin the art, without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. Ofparticular interest for applicability would be gas and oil enclosures,where physical entry can be life-threatening.

FIG. 1 a cross-sectional illustration of a closed enclosure, representedin this FIG. as a typical manhole 100 with side walls 110, manhole cover120, lines 140 and bottom section 155. Not evident from thisperspective, bottom section 155 is usually comprised of an “invert”which is an open (often V-shaped or U-shaped) channel at the bottom ofthe manhole, allowing physical inspection of the fluid traveling throughlines 140. Typically, in sewer systems, the invert's width ranges around4 inches to 12 inches. However, in some systems, it is possible for theinvert to be several feet wide (even six feet or more, depending on thedesign of the sewer). The “exposed” fluid in the invert allows formeasurements to be made, inspection to be performed and otherdata-gathering activities, with respect to the fluid and also the flowrate (or volume) of the fluid. Inverts and the configuration of manholes(whose depth may range from eighteen inches to forty-five feet) areunderstood to be self-explanatory to one of ordinary skill in the art.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional illustration 200 of another manhole showingsteps 230, pipes 240 and two deployed sensors 260 a, 260 b, inaccordance with the related art. The sensors 260 a, 260 b are tetheredvia lines 270 a, 270 b to attachment/control boxes 250 a, 250 b,respectively, and are used to examine the fluid 280 traveling throughpipes 240, as exposed in the bottom section 255 (i.e., invert). Theposition of box 250 b is distinguished from box 250 a in that it isattached to the underside of manhole 220, while box 250 a is attached toa portion of side wall 210. It is noted that sensor 260 a is suspendedsolely using tension in line 270 a above bottom section 255; and as aconsequence of air currents or other disturbances in the manhole, issubject to swaying or displacement from its optimal position, asindicated by the accompanying arrow.

In contrast, sensor 260 b is secured from movement via a securingbracket 265 that is attached to the manhole wall, maintaining itspreferred orientation and position, as indicated by the accompanyingarrow. While the arrangement of sensor 260 b is considered animprovement over the arrangement of sensor 260 a, this requires atechnician to physically enter the manhole and attach the securingbracket 265 to the manhole wall. Typically, such attachment schemesrequire drilling into the walls and bolting the securing bracket 265,all of which entail significant machinery, and are time-consuming tasks,as well introducing the possibility of the ignition of flammable gasesthat may be present in the manhole. As discussed above, the related artapproach exposes the technician to in-enclosure hazards. Not to mention,several brackets 265 (and concomitant drilling) may be necessary for amultiply-sensored manhole, which “damages” the side walls 210 of themanhole. Therefore, whether the manhole is thirty feet deep or onlyeighteen inches deep, a significant amount of effort is required.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional illustration 300 of an exemplary system foravoiding some of the deficiencies noted in the description of FIG. 2.Specifically, a sensor supporting platform 390 is lowered to bottomsection 255, which provides a mechanism for sensors 360 a, 360 b to beaffixed to or secured to. Depending on the mode of communicationutilized, sensors 360 a, 360 b may communicate wirelessly 272 withattachment/control boxes 250 a, 250 b. The exemplary platform 390 can beballasted in a manner to avoid movement from air and/or water currentsand can be designed to “sit over” the bottom section 255 (e.g., invert)without interfering with fluid 280 moving between pipes 240, undernormal conditions.

FIG. 3 illustrates a configuration view of exemplary platform 390, thatis, in a deployed state. Sensors 360 a, 360 b can, either prior todeployment or after deployment, be attached, mounted, or secured toexemplary platform 390 via securing mounts 370 a, 370 b which can bepart of the exemplary platform 390. If the exemplary platform 390, in adeployed state, is configured to be smaller than the width of the bottomof the manhole, then one side 393 of exemplary platform 390 can besituated against a side 240 a of the manhole/pipe, thus being preventedfrom movement, particularly in the lateral direction of the flow ofliquid 280 from pipes 240. A non-contacting side 395 of the exemplaryplatform 390 may be positioned toward but displaced from side 240 b ofthe manhole, shown in this example to be near steps 230. Accordingly,some room at the bottom section 255 can be provided for a technician, ifnecessary.

It is noted that while the exemplary platform 390 is illustrated in FIG.3 as being positioned parallel with pipes 240, it may be positioned atan angle or perpendicular to pipes 240, being configured for such anarrangement. In some instances, the exemplary platform 390 may “fill up”against the sides of the manhole—touching or bordering sides 240 a, 240b of the manhole, or may be designed in such a manner that the center ofthe exemplary platform 390 is open. Therefore, in various embodiments,the exemplary platform 390 can be situated toward or away from eithersides (240 a, 240 b), depending on the configuration chosen. As isapparent, various modifications may be contemplated to the design shownby one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spiritand scope of this disclosure.

As mentioned above, some form of ballast or weighting: non-limitingexamples being, sand, concrete, stone, metal, and so forth, may beutilized in or attached to the exemplary platform 390 to cause theexemplary platform 390 to be difficult to slide or displaced whensituated on the bottom section 255. To avoid displacement in a sewerimplementation, weights of 5 lbs or more may be utilized in exemplaryplatform 390.

When designed for sewer installations, the exemplary platform 390 shouldbe manufactured of an environmentally resistant material, to be able tosurvive long exposures to humidity, water, gases, and other hardships inthe sewer. Long exposures are understood to be least two to three yearsminimum. Polyvinyl chloride (or commonly known as PVC) is an excellentmaterial, being inexpensive, strong, and tolerant of water, and was usedin fabricating several experimental models. While PVC may be utilized,it is, of course, understood that other materials that exhibitenvironmental robustness may be used, such as, for example, aluminum,rubber, plastic, carbon fiber, and so forth.

In some instances, the exemplary platform 390 may be comprised of hollowpipes, such as PVC or other environmentally resistant materials, whereincertain of the hollow spaces may be filled with the ballasting material.In other embodiments, the exemplary platform 390 may be secured fromlateral or side movement (and/or vertical movement) by “wedging” anexposed section of the exemplary platform 390 against a side of the pipe240 (pipe lip, for example), or against steps 230. In these instances,the exposed section of the exemplary platform 390 may be purposelydesigned to facilitate the wedging function (for example, a hookingtongue or clip, and so forth). In some instances, the invert (not shown)may have a lip or other feature that assists in allowing the exemplaryplatform 390 to be “wedged” or “pinned” to the invert's feature. Inother embodiments, the exemplary platform 390 may be “pinned” against awall 240 a by a separately lowered external ballast 398 that ispositioned against a side 395 of the exemplary platform 390. Of course,the external ballast 398 may be positioned against any portion of theexemplary platform 390, according to design preference.

As is apparent from the above description, the ballasting scheme can beachieved by any one or more different ways, including but not limited tothe ways described above. Accordingly, it is expressly understood thatgiven the objective to secure the exemplary platform 390 from movement(or to keep it stabilized), various modifications and changes may bemade without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of an exemplary platform 490 configured to be“self-assembling” in its compact form, that is being lowered thorough anopen manhole opening 420 to the bottom section 255 of manhole, using asupporting cable 430 by technician 410 (or proxy thereto—may be loweredby a machine or mechanical means, for example). As mentioned above, insome circumstances, the manhole opening 420 may be too small to allow a“fixed frame” exemplary platform to be passed through the manholeopening 420. In these cases, a foldable or configurable exemplaryplatform 490 is utilized which has a smaller “folded” size than adeployed or unfolded size. Details of this exemplary embodiment 490 willbe provided below.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a technician 410 (or proxy thereto)lowering a sensor 360 into sensor receptacles 470 a or 470 b which areattached to a deployed exemplary platform 490. Sensor 360 is shownattached to communications cable 530 with a removably coupled temporaryballast 540. Temporary ballast 540 can be used to “weigh down” thesensor 360 to help in its descent, and may be removed via attachedsecondary cable 535. In some instances, the temporary ballast 540 may bedonut-like shaped, sliding over cable 530 and then lifted up aftersensor 360 is secured to the exemplary platform 490. In other instances,temporary ballast 540 may be “clipped” or “taped” to cable 530 (or tosensor 360 or the sensor's housing) and removed in an appropriatemanner. Of course, numerous other methods and schemes for weighing downsensor 360 may be utilized according to design preference. Therefore,modifications and changes to how sensor 360 is temporarily ballasted maybe made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.For example, a magnetic form of “latching” and “unlatching” may beutilized, or a liquid filled container that is designed to leak ballast(e.g., water), thus dispelling its ballast after deployment.

FIG. 5 also shows an optional device 595 that is attached to theexemplary platform 490, protruding from the top of the exemplaryplatform 490. The device 595 can be a power generation device, providingpower for the sensors and potentially the supporting electronics andcommunications—not shown—that the sensors “may” be tethered to (notingthat wireless communication may be one available mode of communicationfor the sensors). The power generation device 595 could be suspendedfrom the exemplary platform 490 or embedded into the exemplary platform490. For example, depending on the mode of power generation utilized,the power generation device 595 could be situated at the “feet” of theexemplary platform 490, or above the exemplary platform 490. Wind/watercurrents could be harvested for energy, temperature variances, fluidflow, and other possible mechanical or thermonic or other energygeneration schemes could be utilized, now being supported (andpotentially protected) by exemplary platform 490.

It should be apparent that while the power generation device 595 can beseparately situated in the exemplary platform 490, it may be possible(depending on design) to have the power generation device 595 fit withina sensor receptacle 470 a, 470 b. Therefore, the power generation device595 could be lowered down separately from the exemplary platform 490 and“plugged” into the exemplary platform 490 in a similar manner (if sodesigned) as to that of sensor(s) 360.

In continuance of the possibilities afforded by the use of an exemplaryplatform 490, sensors, power generation devices, and so forth, couldhave their cabling “strapped” to the exemplary platform 490, to avoidthe cabling from falling down into the invert. Therefore, the exemplaryplatform 490 can operate also to provide a framework for securingcabling.

Evident in FIGS. 4 and 5 is the fact that technician 410 does need toenter into the manhole to accomplish his servicing goal. Accordingly,many if not all of the injury concerns with related art approaches tosensor placement into the bottom of manholes (or enclosures) can beavoided. Since there is now no need to drill holes into the side of themanhole for a securing bracket, a significant amount of time (and cost)can be saved in a service call, since the lowering of the exemplaryplatform 490 and subsequent lowering of the respective sensors 360 canbe rapidly performed.

Additionally, if the exemplary platforms 490 are manufactured with aninexpensive material (for example, PVC pipes) and filled with aninexpensive ballast (for example, sand), the cost savings in materials,shipping, and time and as well as the reduced potential for injuries canbe very significant, especially in the sewer industry. Of course, theexemplary methods and apparatuses can be applied to other industriesthat require physical entry into a dangerous enclosure. Non-limitingexamples of such industries being the electrical, oil and gasindustries.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a technician 410 lowering a “combination”exemplary platform 490, in a compact configuration, for example, thathas within it sensor 360 (and/or power generation device, or anon-sensor device, for that matter) already affixed. Sensor 360 iscoupled to communication cable 530, while exemplary platform 490 iscoupled to removable cable 430. In this scenario, the operationsdescribed in FIGS. 4-5 can be combined into a single descent operation,thus reducing the amount of time needed for sensor deployment.Accordingly, the approach of FIG. 6 may be operationally more efficientthan the approach of FIGS. 4-5.

As may be apparent, the exemplary platform 490 may only need to be in acompact or folded form when first dropped through the restricted manholeopening 420, the reduced size being desirable only for easy passagethrough the manhole opening 420. Therefore, while FIGS. 4-6 illustratethe exemplary platform 490 as being in a compact or folded form whilebeing inside the manhole, it is understood that the exemplary platform490 may be in a fully deployed or unfolded mode after entry but duringits descent inside the manhole. Of course, as noted in FIG. 3, theexemplary platform 490 may be of a configuration that is “fixed” withrespect to its shape and may be lowered into the manhole (sizepermitting) in its fixed shape.

Depending on the type of implementation and design utilized, theexemplary platform 490 may require an “unfolding” mechanism that iscontrollably triggered by the technician 410. A latch, reorienting theexemplary platform 490 (allowing gravity, for example, to unfold),twisting, a plurality of cables, and various other forms ofcontrol/triggering for unfoldment or expansion may be utilized accordingto design preference. In some instances, the exemplary platform 490 canbe designed to be mechanically opened or opened after coming to rest atthe bottom of the manhole.

In one experimental model, the exemplary platform 490 (having a foldingconfiguration) was designed to be unfolded by gravity, being unfoldedwhen oriented in a particular direction. The exemplary platform 490 washeld in its folded form by simply clasping hand(s) around one end of theplatform 490 and releasing it as it passed through the manhole opening420, resulting in the exemplary platform 490 naturally unfolding itselfwhile in the manhole. A simple forcing mechanism could be used to assistin the opening, non-limiting examples being a spring or rubber line thatforces the exemplary platform 490 to open when released. As noted above,numerous folding/unlatching/etc. approaches are available to one ofordinary skill in the art, the above example only illustrating one ofmany possible approaches.

FIGS. 7A-B are perspective illustrations of exemplary platforms. In FIG.7A, the exemplary platform 700 comprises supporting legs 710 that arecoupled to longitudinal members 720 that elevate sensor receptacles 370from the bottom of the exemplary platform. Sensor receptacles 370 areattached to cross members 730 which are attached via connection 740 tolongitudinal members 720. The sensor receptacles 370 are situated toprovide clear access to whatever effluent or fluid is traveling in theenclosure, being elevated to avoid contact, if possible. Generally, morethan several inches of separation is desired when attempting to protecta sensor from contact. For example, a typical sewer-type ultra-sonicsensor should be placed at least one foot to one and a half foot awayfrom the measured liquid. Therefore, in this instance, the bottom ofsensor receptacles 370 should be elevated this distance from the manholefloor (or invert). Accordingly, supporting legs 710, for this sensor,should have a height that is commensurate to achieve this separation. Itis understood, however, that in some instances, the sensor may requireactual contact, therefore the supporting legs 710 and sensorreceptacles' 370 heights can be adjusted, as needed.

Continuing with FIG. 7A, in one embodiment, the connection 740 can befixed to the longitudinal members 720—thus, generating a non-folding ornon-expanding platform structure. In an embodiment designed to beflexible/foldable, the connection 740 can be formed (from a hollow PVCsleeve, for example) which is allowed to freely rotate about thelongitudinal member 720 (to within a fixed orientation so as to providesupport), rather than be fixed to longitudinal member 720. In thisfoldable embodiment, the exterior of the hollow sleeve is attached tocross members 730.

The open areas under the exemplary platform 700 enable it to “fit” overan invert (not shown), as illustrated by the dashed arrows, withoutinterfering with fluid flowing through the invert.

While FIG. 7A illustrates attachments 740, for a foldable embodiment,that appear as hollow rotatable sleeves, it is expressly understood thatother forms of flexible or mechanisms for “expanding” may be utilized aswithin the purview of one of ordinary skill in the art, such as variouspivoting mechanisms or expandable arms or sliding extensions, and soforth may be used, as according to design preference. Therefore,modifications to the type and form of flexibility may be made to theattachment mechanism 740 without departing from the spirit and scope ofthis disclosure.

It is noted that FIG. 7A shows the sensor receptacles 370 attached tocross members 730. In some embodiments, the sensor receptacles 370 maybe attached to longitudinal members 720 or even to the legs 710 (or tomanhole ledge or other feature—not shown). To allow some form of“leveling,” the exemplary embodiment 700 shown in FIG. 7A includesoptional leveling feet 715 disposed at the bottom of legs 710, which canbe adjusted in height to provide a levelness to the exemplary platform700 over an uneven surface. Of course, the leveling feet 715 may besituated not at the “feet” but higher up on supporting legs 710, asaccording to design preference. The purpose of providing the optionalability to “level” the exemplary platform 490 is to provide a fixed andsecure position for a sensor (not shown) so that the sensor can be bestpositioned for its operation.

For example, if using a ultra-sonic ranging sensor, the sensor should bepointed directly downward, substantially perpendicular to the manholefloor or invert containing the fluid to be measured. With a fixeddistance and fixed orientation, the sensor can be assured to performaccurately.

FIG. 7B is an illustration of another exemplary platform 750 with legs760 canted outward and having lower longitudinal members 765 at thebottom of legs 760; upper longitudinal members 770 at a top of legs 760,wherein the upper longitudinal members 770 provide support for crossmembers 780. The cross members 780, in addition to providing lateralstability, provide an easy attachment mechanism for sensor receptacles370. Presuming a foldable configuration, pivoting or rotating points 790are shown at junctions formed between upper longitudinal member 770 andupper portion of legs 760, and leveling feet 775 are shown as beingpositioned on lower longitudinal members 765. It is noted that for anon-folding embodiment, the pivoting or rotating points 790 may bereplaced with a fixed attachment scheme.

FIGS. 8A-B are perspective illustrations of other exemplary embodiments.FIG. 8A illustrates an exemplary embodiment 800 without sensorreceptacles built into the platform. Legs 810 with leveling “feet” 815on one side and leveling “non-feet” on the other side are coupled viaswinging (or pivoting, sliding, and so forth) elements 840 tolongitudinal member 820. Cross members 830 are connected to form openrectangular “trays” that a sensor receptacle can be attached to—in thisinstance, a module of sensors or tray of sensors/receptacles (see FIG.10C, for example) can be placed into any one of the three open areasformed at the top of the exemplary platform. This particular embodimentallows for flexibility of the final configuration of the exemplaryplatform.

FIG. 8B illustrates a tripod-like platform 850 with a sensor receptacle360 at the apex. Legs 880 may have (optionally) leveling features 875which may allow portions of the legs 880 to rise up or down (or bendoutward/inward) and are opened up by movable arms 890 which can bemanually opened up. However, movable arms 890 may be replaced withsprings that can operate to automatically open the legs 880 whenreleased. While FIGS. 8A-B describe the exemplary embodiments 800, 850,respectively, as having the capability to “expand” or fold out, etc., itis understood that an embodiment can be designed that does not expand orfold out, if the enclosure it is being used for has a sufficiently wideenough entry.

Given the above description, it should be appreciated that the exemplaryplatforms may be customizable. It may be several inches in height or maybe several feet or more in height. It may be an all-inclusive platform,having specifically designed receptacles for a given sensor—beingconfigured for a specific “mission” or type of enclosure, or may be of amodular configuration, allowing various receptacles “trays” to be mixedand matched within the platform, allowing a given platform to providesupporting/structural services to any number of different types ofsensors, etc. Since, in some embodiments, the exemplary platform canexpand, it can be designed to have origami-like structures that can foldor expand outward when lowered into the enclosure, with some modes ofexpansion being necessary or unnecessary. For example, a given platformmay “telescope” to a variety of sizes; and for a given manhole, it maynot be necessary to fully extend the platform for it to serve itspurpose.

FIGS. 9A-B are illustrations of a compact/closed appearance of variousexemplary platforms that are designed to “fold out” or expand. FIG. 9Ais equivalent to the embodiment shown in FIG. 8B, wherein thetripod-like nature of the exemplary platform 850 allows it to be closedinto a smaller form, for easy passage through a restricted entry way.FIG. 9B is a variation of the embodiment 700 shown in FIG. 7A, but in aclosed position, with pivoting mechanisms 940 disposed at variouslocations on the exemplary platform. Dashed arrows are provided to showthe direction of motion to allow this particular embodiment to be“opened” into its deployed mode. As mentioned earlier, various ways to“close” or fold-in are possible, depending primarily on the imaginationof the designer. The examples shown in FIGS. 9A-B are provided only toshow a few of many possible ways to create a smaller, compact platform.Therefore, other ways to fold, close, reduce the size of an exemplaryplatform may be contemplated without departing from the spirit and scopeof this disclosure.

FIGS. 10A-C are illustrations of various possible sensor receptacleconfigurations. FIG. 10A shows a receptacle 1010 with radial arms 1020extending conically outward to help guide into place a sensor (notshown) that may be lowered into the receptacle 1010. FIG. 10B is anotherexample, however, one side of the receptacle 1010 is fitted with a“half” cone so that a sensor may be “dropped” thereinto and slid intothe receptacle 1010. It is noted that while the above FIGS. illustratethe sensor receptacles to have a cylinder-like shape with a cavity forreceiving a sensor and an outward body, any shape or arrangement may beutilized. For example, rectangular, half geometries, slots, and so forthmay be utilized without departing from the spirit and scope of thisdisclosure.

Also, while it is understood that the receptacles can offer a “housing”for sensors to secure the sensor from movement when inserted into thereceptacle, the securing mechanism may simply be a magnet or may be alocking mechanism or other form of “attachment” that enables the sensorto be secured from movement when inserted into the receptacle.Therefore, the “housing” may not need to encompass the respectivesensor, but only operate to “attach” itself to the sensor to prevent thesensor from moving, once attached. Accordingly, non-sleeve-likereceptacles may be used, having for example, a fin that mates with thesensor or other type of mating system. Understanding that the typicalsensor will be downward facing, the receptacle can have a transparentbottom section, enabling the sensor's detector to downwardly directlywithout being obstructed. In some embodiments, the receptacle can simplybe a hollow cylinder with a supporting ring inside the receptacle'scavity to prevent an inserted sensor from slipping entirely through thereceptacle.

Some examples of possible sensors that would be well suited for a use inan underground environment are: ultrasonic level, float/tilt switches,radar level, optical/IR level, gas monitoring (e.g. H₂S, methane,hydrocarbons, chlorine, ozone, CO₂, tritium, etc.), particulate,chemical, water quality monitoring (e.g. turbidity, pH, BOD, particlecount, etc.), radiation monitoring, pressure, electrical current orvoltage, etc. It should be apparent that while this list is very long,it is not exhaustive and only is provided to demonstrate the endlessvariety of possible sensors that can be utilized with the receptacles ofthe exemplary sensor platform(s) described herein, the field of usebeing more than simply within the sewer industry.

In regard to the size of the receptacle, it may vary depending on thetype and size of sensor being placed “into” it, for example. For thesewer industry, a typical sensor may be a cylindrical ultrasonic sensorhaving a width that is less than 3 inches and a height that is less than4 inches. Of course, depending on the sensor's dimensions, the sizes mayvary, for example, some sensors are known to be nearly one foot long.Therefore, while the receptacles shown herein are generally cylindricalin shape, any shape and any size may be utilized without departing fromthe spirit and scope of this disclosure.

FIG. 10C is an illustration of a “tray” of receptacles 1070 attached tosupports 1050 that are connected together. Some form of securing thetray to a cavity, formed in the exemplary platform (see FIG. 8A, forexample), can be accommodated for by prongs (hooks, inserts, etc.) 1080that extend to fit over members in an exemplary platform (see FIG. 8A'smembers 820 and 830, for example). FIG. 10C's example is a very simpleexample, showing one of many, many possible ways to modularize aninstallation procedure for an exemplary platform. For example, a traymay be triangular, or stacked, or any various thereof. Thus, one ofordinary skill in the art, having understood the intent of FIG. 10C'spurpose, may devise other modular/fraying schemes without departing fromthe spirit and scope of this disclosure.

For example, FIG. 10D illustrates a simple magnetic North-to-South polemagnet 1090. Such a system may be used to “latch” the tray of FIG. 10Cto an exemplary platform, the platform having one type of magnet and thetray having the opposite type of magnet (or metal). Further, it may bedesirable to use the magnetic latching/coupling capability to securesensors to receptacles. That is, a sensor may be “latched” into areceptacle having an opposite magnet (or metal). Thus, the capability ofa magnet to latch-to and release-from can be used in various forms inthe exemplary embodiments.

Based on the examples described above, it should be evident that theexemplary embodiments obviate many of the difficulties of the prior artin that they enable a device or sensor to be efficiently “secured”within an enclosure without requiring human entry into the enclosure,via the use of a sensor platform that is lowered therein. The ability touse an exemplary platform is independent of whether the enclosure islarge enough for human entry and therefore may be used for enclosuresthat are not related to the sewer industry. It is noted that theexemplary embodiments not only provide a platform for securing sensors,but the platform is designed to remain fixed when finally deployed,either through friction (i.e., gravity) or through some means of“wedging.”

Due to the ability of some of the exemplary platforms to be “foldable,”they can be stored in a “folded” shape, allowing for compact storage;and they can be shipped in a “folded” state, allowing for easy, morecost-effective shipping. In some embodiments, the exemplary platform maycome in several pieces, only requiring easy assembly. As alluded above,several exemplary platforms (similar to FIGS. 7A-B) have been fabricatedusing PVC pipes which are inexpensive and environmentally resistant. Itis believed that such exemplary embodiments and variations thereof willsignificantly reduce sensor deployment-related costs, injuries, andservice times.

It will be understood that many additional changes in the details,materials, steps and arrangement of parts, which have been hereindescribed and illustrated to explain the nature of the invention, may bemade by those skilled in the art within the principle and scope of theinvention as expressed in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A sensor stabilization platform for placement atthe bottom of a vertical enclosure, comprising: a receptacle with asecuring mechanism to secure a sensor inserted into the receptacle, thereceptacle configured to allow the inserted sensor to operate withoutinterference from the receptacle; a plurality of substantially verticalleg members, at least a top portion of one of the plurality of legmembers being coupled to the receptacle supporting the receptacle, theplurality of leg members forming an opening beneath the receptacle; atleast one height adjuster coupled to at least one of the plurality ofleg members, allowing leveling of the platform; and a ballast attachedto the platform to prevent movement of the platform when finally restingat the bottom of the vertical enclosure, wherein the platform isconstructed from an environmentally resistant material.
 2. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein the coupling of the at least one of the plurality ofleg members to the receptacle is a pivot, the pivot automatically andfully expanding the pivot-coupled elements into a deployed state whenreleased from a non-deployed state, wherein the deployed state is largerin size than the non-deployed state.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2,wherein the pivot is opened by a spring or by gravity.
 4. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein the ballasting mechanism is one of at least sand,concrete, or stone inserted into at least one of the plurality of legs.5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sensor is secured utilizing amagnetic force.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a guideabove the receptacle, to assist in guiding a sensor to be secured by thesecuring mechanism.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pluralityof legs is constructed of PVC and is has a length that is between eightinches and four feet.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising atleast one of a power generator, an ultrasonic level sensor, float/tiltsensor, radar level sensor, optical/IR level sensor, gas monitoringsensor, chemical sensor, particulate sensor, water quality monitoringsensor, radiation monitoring sensor, pressure sensor, and electricalcurrent/voltage sensor, inserted into the receptacle.
 9. The apparatusof claim 8, further comprising a communications cable connected to a topportion of the sensor and suspended above the sensor up to a top portionof the enclosure.
 10. A method of measuring a feature to be observed inan exposed channel at the bottom of an enclosure, the method comprising:lowering a sensor stabilization structure through an entry way of anenclosure, wherein the sensor stabilization structure comprises: aplurality of substantially vertical leg members; substantiallyhorizontal support members, at least one of the support members coupledto a top portion of the leg members, wherein the support members form anupper portion of the platform, the plurality of leg members forming anopening beneath the upper portion of the platform; a receptacle coupledto the upper portion of the platform, having a securing mechanism tosecure a sensor inserted into the receptacle, the receptacle configuredto allow the inserted sensor to operate without interference from thereceptacle; at least one height adjuster coupled to at least one of theplurality of leg members, allowing leveling of the upper portion of theplatform; and a weight attached to the platform; resting the sensorstabilization structure at the bottom of the enclosure; and adjustingthe sensor stabilization structure to have the receptacle to be abovethe exposed channel.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the enclosureis a manhole.
 12. The method of claim, 10, wherein the receptaclecontains at least one of a power generator, an ultrasonic level sensor,float/tilt sensor, radar level sensor, optical/IR level sensor, gasmonitoring sensor, chemical sensor, particulate sensor, water qualitymonitoring sensor, radiation monitoring sensor, pressure sensor, andelectrical current/voltage sensor.
 13. The method of claim 10, furthercomprising lowering a sensor into the receptacle from the entry of theenclosure.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the lowering of thesensor stabilization structure is accomplished by a supporting cable.15. The method of claim 13, wherein the sensor is at least one of apower generator, an ultrasonic level sensor, float/tilt sensor, radarlevel sensor, optical/IR level sensor, gas monitoring sensor, chemicalsensor, particulate sensor, water quality monitoring sensor, radiationmonitoring sensor, pressure sensor, and electrical current/voltagesensor.
 16. The method of claim 10, further comprising adjusting aheight of the height adjuster.
 17. The method of claim 14, wherein thesupporting cable is a communications cable connected to a top portion ofthe sensor and suspended above the sensor up to a top portion of theenclosure.